Understanding Fathering among Native-American Men

Abstract

This study explores fathering among self identified Native American men who have been identified as father or father figure to children involved in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project. This research study highlights United States policies and their effects on Native American families particularly fathers. In addition, Native American fathers in this study reported that “being there” for their child was important and described how the manifestation of being there ranged from traditional to contemporary models of fathering. The article concludes with a discussion of specific issues that are important when working with Native fathers that may be of interest to social workers and social service practitioners.

Azhe'é Bidziil (Strong Fathers): Study Protocol for the Pilot Evaluation of an American Indian Fatherhood Program to Improve the Health and Wellbeing of Diné (Navajo) Fathers

“…Each of the 12 group lessons, consisting of 8-12 participants per group, last approximately 2 h. Eligible fathers or father figures are age ≥18 years, live within 50 miles of the participating Diné communities, and must be caregivers of at least one child ≤24 years. The outcomes for this study are acceptability, feasibility, and satisfaction with the intervention, as well as father involvement, quality of (co-) parenting communication, healthy relationships, fathers' engagement and communication with their children, protective factors (e.g., cultural connectedness and educational/career INTRODUCTION American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN, Native) societies have been at the forefront of resistance against decades of land theft, colonization, and attempts at assimilation since time immemorial (1,2). It is imperative to understand Native history, specifically the strength and health of Native men, as it stands in stark contrast to the health disparities that AIAN men face today.…”

“…Considering the critical role that Native men play in family and child health, there is an urgent need to collaborate with tribal communities in identifying programs and policies to improve Native men's health status and increasing family involvement. Fatherhood involvement has a positive relationship with early childhood development (1) and has been shown to positively impact children's social and emotional health, as well as academic success during critical developmental years (31)(32)(33)(34). This positive impact is especially pronounced for lower income children and for those who lack access to high quality educational systems, including Native youth (35)(36)(37).…”

“…American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN, Native) societies have been at the forefront of resistance against decades of land theft, colonization, and attempts at assimilation since time immemorial ( 1 , 2 ). It is imperative to understand Native history, specifically the strength and health of Native men, as it stands in stark contrast to the health disparities that AIAN men face today.…”

Integrating Professional and Indigenous Therapies

“…First, beyond general social support, clinicians may not fully appreciate the roles of kin relations, elders, and Native peers in providing support for American Indian clients (Limb, Shafer, & Sandoval, 2014). In Aamoo's case, same-gender social support was especially important, as may be the case for many Natives in light of the disruption of traditional family systems and gender roles by Euro-American colonization (Brave Heart, Elkins, Tafoya, Bird, & Salvador, 2012;Harper, 2011;Shears, Bubar, & Hall, 2011). Second, clinicians may not be familiar with the role of other-than-human (or more-than-human) spiritual helpers for many Native individuals (Brightman, 1993(Brightman, /2003Pflüg, 1998).…”

Reflecting on the Practice of Infant Mental Health and the Reduction of Risk in Infancy and Early Parenthood: An Essay

“…Attachment theory, so central to understanding IMH theory and practice, reinforces this. However, because fathers-whether present or absent, nurturing or not-are significant to a child's developing sense of self and relational health, and given the importance of healthy relationship development to offset the risks discussed during this conference, IMH professionals must make room for fathers in their work with families, and at the same time, allow stories about their own fathers to come to mind (Furman, Shears, & Badinelli, 2007;Shears, Bubar, & Hall, 2011;Shears & Robinson, 2005;Summers, Boller, Schiffman, & Raikes, 2006).…”